Simpson's predictions: Top four limited to six contenders

Adam Simpson has laid out his predictions for the final AFL ladder standings as we approach finals, with clubs fighting it out for top 10 wildcard slots, plus top six, top four and top two.

The former West Coast coach put in his two cents on where the contending teams will land ahead of the formative final six matches of the home and away season.

"It is moving day and the next two weeks in particular are going to set everything up, including finals," Simpson said on SEN's Whateley.

So who is chasing up? Check out Simmo's picks.

Top Ten Chasers

Simmo reckons only a trio of team outside the top 10 are any chance of forcing their way into the wildcard slots - GWS (11th), Carlton (12th) and North Melbourne (13th).

"I think there's only three teams that can sort of rise.

"Giants, Carlton and North. They're trying to get into the top 10."

Top Six Slots

Simmo is limiting the contenders for the top six down to the current teams in those positions, plus the Western Bulldogs (7th) and Collingwood (8th), thus ruling out Geelong (9th).

"The Pies and the Dogs are the only two teams I see who can get into the top six.

"That doesn't include Geelong for me, they're two games out of that race now, and there's only six to go."

Top Four Finishers

As for the top four, that only extends to Adelaide (5th) and Melbourne (6th), with no other team a chance of guaranteed finals.

"I think only Adelaide and Melbourne can make top four as well.

"Hawthorn is the only team that can get into the top two now."

Backing up his claims, Simpson continued: “Where are all these teams at? It’s not really the time to reflect and do the numbers, you know as the season goes from a coaching point of view – you know, where are we at, what's our current reality?

"I think that’s already been done. I don't think it's time now to go 'let's change some things'. I think we've sort of got our lot, now it's time to instil a bit of confidence, and probably not mix the team up too much.

"That’s why you look at Geelong and a little bit of Bulldogs as well, they're trialling things now – but you’ve got to have a go, and every now and then you do slip through and get it right. But if you're not in order now there’s a bit going on."